Cristiano Ronaldo said his “work is done” in Europe, adding that he is relishing new challenges both on and off the pitch after being unveiled as a player of Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday.
Ronaldo, who was a free agent following his acrimonious split with Manchester United in November, joined Al Nassr last week on a two-anda-half-year deal, estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($210.94 million).
He arrives in Saudi Arabia with a vast collection of club honours after a glittering spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid from 2009-18 where he won two La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, four Champions League titles and three Club World Cups.
He also claimed two Serie A titles and a Copa Italia trophy in three years at Juventus before rejoining United with whom he had bagged three Premier League crowns, the FA Cup, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.
“I’m so proud to make this big decision in my life. In Europe, my work is done,” Ronaldo told a news conference.
“I won everything, I played in the most important clubs in Europe and now it’s a new challenge in Asia.”
Ronaldo added that he had several potential suitors from all around the world after his exit from United, but chose to sign with Al Nassr because the move provided him a chance to make an impact off the pitch.
“I’m grateful to Al Nassr, for giving me this opportunity to develop football for the younger generation, for the women as well. For me, it’s a challenge, but I also feel very happy and proud,” Ronaldo said.
“I can say now, I had many opportunities in Europe, Brazil, Australia and the United States. Even in Portugal, many clubs tried to sign me, but I gave my word to this club, to develop not only football but also the other parts of this country.”
The 37-year-old batted away questions about criticism of his move to Saudi Arabia, saying: “I’m a unique player, for me it’s normal.”
Coach’s delight
Al Nassr coach Rudi Garcia said the signing of Ronaldo was a huge step for the Saudi Arabian league.
“The signing of a player the size of Cristiano Ronaldo is extraordinary and contributes to the development of Saudi football,” said Garcia, who previously managed Lille, ASRoma, Olympique Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais.
“In my life, I’ve seen that great players like Cristiano are the simplest to manage, because there’s nothing I can teach him. Like he said, we are here to win, nothing else. I want him to enjoy playing with Al Nassr and winning with Al Nassr, just that,” Garcia told reporters.
Ronaldo’s arrival represents a coup for the Gulf country, which is looking to bringmore big names to the Saudi Premier League.
“We will support the rest of our clubs for qualitative deals with international star soon,” Abdulaziz bin TurkiAl-Faisal, the country’s minister of sports, said. “Cristiano, welcome to your new home, welcome to SPL.”
Ronaldo’s move to his “new home” is also tipped to kick off a new era in Asian football.
When Al-Nassr announced the signing on Friday, within 24 hours, the post was viewed more than 20 million times and the club gained about 2.5 million more followers.
There was a similar surgeon Instagram, where the Portuguese star has more than 520 million followers, the most in the world. There, the announcement received more than 30 million likes.
